Page 9 of Haven

“Because I’m human,” Sadie answered honestly. “And I wanted to ensure it was safe before I took my sister anywhere.”

“Good point,” Cole said with a respectful nod.

“Do you think your mate will help us?” Lily said, her eyes round with hope.

“Let me make a call.” Eric stood, taking his phone out of his pocket. “Why don’t you start packing up your things.”

Kile moved so Eric could pass, then watched Lily hug Sadie excitedly before grabbing stuff and throwing it into bags. Their eyes met.

“He’s not going to stop,” Sadie whispered. “He will come back after her and...me. It’s a big ask. And I want you to know this isn’t over.”

“Why don’t you let us worry about that,” Kile replied, not looking concerned. “Help your sister pack. I’ve never known Gemma to turn down a Shifter in trouble.”

Sadie nodded as she stood. “As long as she’s safe. That’s all I want for her.”

“What about you?” Kile asked with a frown. “You deserve the same.”

Sadie didn’t reply; she acted like she hadn’t heard him. Eric walked in before he could repeat what he said, giving him a nod. “Help them pack. I’ll pull the truck up and put their stuff in it. Cole can take your truck, and you can drive them and their vehicle to the Sanctuary.”

“Sounds good,” Kile replied as he walked toward Lily, who was trying to carry a heavy bag toward the door. Taking it from her, he saw the hope in her eyes. “Looks like Gemma is waiting for you,” he said with a grin.

“Really?” Lily said with a huge smile, her dark brown eyes so different from her sisters’ light green ones opened wide.

“Yeah,” He chuckled at her excitement.

“Thank you so much.” He was shocked when she flew into his arms, holding him so tight that he felt her shaking in relief.

“You’re welcome.” He said just as his eyes made contact with Sadie’s sad but grateful gaze. She quickly looked away before he could read more into her expression, but he had a feeling he knew exactly what she was feeling. She was human. Nowhere had she ever been accepted in the Shifter world, but that was about to change. He just hoped she was ready for it.

CHAPTER 6

Sadie sat in the back seat of her car while Kile drove. Lily sat in the front, bombarding him with endless questions. It had been a long time since she had heard excitement in her sister’s voice. As happy and relieved Sadie was for her sister, her stomach clenched painfully for what this moment meant. She was about to lose her sister. No matter what Lily said and what Sadie truly wanted, once Lily was settled with other Shifters, that would be it. Sadie would not be welcomed. It was the way it was, and it broke her heart. She had done her best to come to terms with this because it was what would be best for Lily, and yet, Sadie wanted so badly to be selfish, to keep Lily in her life. But she would never do that to her sister. She loved her way too much to hold Lily back. So yes, after Lily finds her place where she is safe and happy, Sadie will walk away to give Lily a chance to live the life she deserves as a Shifter.

“Is this the place?” Lily’s voice brought Sadie out of her depressing thoughts. Leaning up, she looked out the windshield, her gaze scanning the scene. The car slowed, and her eyes met Kile’s in the rearview mirror. She was the first to look away.

“Yes,” Kile answered with a nod. Lily was out of the car almost before it came to a complete stop. Kile opened the door for Sadie.

“Thank you,” Sadie said as her eyes scanned the place. Tents and what looked like new construction were scattered around the property. Her eyes spotted the large pens. Seeing huge wolves watching their arrival, she frowned. Her heart stopped as fear overtook her. “Lily!” she called out when her sister passed. Sadie was ignored.

She started to rush after her sister, but Kile stopped her. “They aren’t Shifters.” He answered her fears without her even speaking them.

Sadie looked up at him before looking back at the wolves, who were pacing as Lily got closer. Her trust in anyone had died long ago, and it was hard not to jump to conclusions because many of her conclusions had saved their lives.

“Most are wolf-dogs. A cross-breed. A few are pure-blood wolves.” Kile explained in a calm tone without judgment of her mistrust that she still hadn’t spoken. He then pointed, and her gaze went to a large empty pen with the door wide open. “That enclosure is for any Shifter who may need help. There is always fresh water and food placed at night. They are not locked inside unless it is felt they are a danger to themselves or others.”

Swallowing hard, she nodded as her fear for her sister subsided slightly. Clearing her throat, she looked up to see the truth in the man’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” she admitted sincerely. “It’s just after everything that has happened since our parents died—I have a tough time trusting anyone, especially when it comes to my sister.”

“As it should be,” Kile replied with such understanding it shocked her a little. She pretty much acted as if they were going to cage her sister, and he was being uncommonly gracious about the situation. “Even though daily I want to punch one of my brothers, I would take a bullet for either one of them. Someone comes for them; they have to go through me first. I know they feel the same. Cole, however, may not admit to that.” He finished with a half grin.

Sadie surprised herself when she chuckled at his last remark. She was strung tight, but he somehow made her feel comfortable, something she hadn’t felt in a while. Instead of answering, she turned to see Lily talking to a beautiful woman towered over by the man named Eric. “Is that Gemma?” she asked before looking back at Kile.

“Yes,” He replied with a smile and nod. “Your sister is in good hands here. Gemma is a fierce supporter of our kind and, as a human, has done more for Shifters than some of our own. Come on, and I’ll introduce you.”

As they walked toward Gemma and Lily, her eyes didn’t miss much. People were busy rushing around, but most wore smiles. Kids were playing in a field to their right. Everyone seemed at ease and...happy. Some of her trepidation eased, especially hearing the children's laughter. A ball rolled in their path as a young boy gave chase. Sadie smiled as she kicked it back.

“Good kick.” The boy shouted before taking off at a run.

Glancing up at Kile, who was watching her closely, she just shrugged. “I was the kickball queen on our street.” She quickly looked away as a smile spread across his full lips. He was very handsome, especially when he smiled like that. It reached his golden eyes framed by long, thick lashes.